Every Mediterranean sauce has a unique flavor profile, thanks to the different spices, herbs, and vegetables. This is what makes each Mediterranean sauce unforgettable. With so many incredible options, it can be challenging to choose the perfect sauce to compliment your dish. This decision becomes even trickier since the right sauce is key in elevating your meal to new heights. Hence, we have created this blog to simplify this process for you. In this blog, we will list some of the most popular Mediterranean sauces and how to combine them with your favorite food. Let’s dive in!
Popular Mediterranean Sauces
There are plenty of sauce options in Mediterranean cuisine, all of which are rich in ingredients and flavors. This blog will discuss some popular Mediterranean sauces and explore their ideal pairings. Some standout Mediterranean sauces include:
- Hummus
- Baba Ghanouj
- Tzatziki
- Harissa
- Tahini sauce
- Romesco sauce
Hummus
Hummus is one of the most widely known and loved Mediterranean sauces. It is a healthy Mediterranean sauce made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Its earthy and nutty flavor helps pair it well with shawarmas or as a dip for snacks. Here are some of the dishes that hummus pairs best with:
- Falafel.
- Shawarma.
- Grilled meats.
- Veggie platters.
- Pita bread.
- Roasted vegetables.
- Wraps and sandwiches.
Best pairing: Though hummus elevates the taste of all the aforementioned dishes, its taste stands out best with falafel and falafel wrap.
Baba Ghanoush
Baba Ghanouj is a smoky and creamy eggplant-based sauce. It’s often compared to hummus, but it has a deeper, more rich flavor because of the charred eggplant. It is another healthy Mediterranean sauce made from roasted eggplants, tahini, and garlic. Baba Ghanouj pairs perfectly with the following dishes:
- Fresh, warm pita bread.
- Grilled meats such as chicken and lamb.
- Veggie platters.
- Sandwiches and wraps.
- Grain bowls.
Best pairing: Baba Ghanouj pairs best with grilled chicken, thanks to its smoky flavor profile and creamy texture.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a creamy Mediterranean dipping sauce made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It is a light and refreshing sauce that is a favorite in Mediterranean cuisine. Its cool and creamy texture pairs beautifully with bold or spicy flavors. Tzatiki’s best dish pairings are:
- Gyros and wraps.
- As a dressing for grain bowls or salads.
- Grilled meats and seafood
- Baked potatoes or fries.
Best pairing: Tzatziki pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken gyros, elevating the dish with its creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes. Chill tzatziki before serving to enhance its refreshing qualities.
Harissa
Harissa is a strong and spicy Mediterranean sauce. It is perfect for spice lovers and is made from chili peppers, roasted red peppers, garlic, and aromatic Mediterranean spices like cumin and coriander. This condiment originated from North Africa and has become a staple in Mediterranean cooking. Harissa pairs excellently with:
- Grilled meats and seafood.
- Stews and soups (add a spoon of harissa into stews or soups to enhance their flavor).
- Roasted vegetables.
- Mixed with yogurt or olive oil to create a creamy dipping sauce or a spread for sandwiches.
Best pairing: Harissa’s best pairing is grilled lamb skewers. When it comes to harissa, a little goes a long way!
Tahini Sauce
Tahini is a healthy Mediterranean sauce made from ground sesame seeds. Its nutty flavor and velvety texture make it a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and your pantry. Tahini is the magic ingredient in classic sauces like hummus and baba ghanouj, as it adds a whole new level of depth and creaminess to these beloved dips. It not only compliments savory dishes but desserts, too! Tahini compliments the following dishes:
- Combining tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of water creates a luscious sauce for salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.
- Grilled or roasted chicken.
- Drizzle over pancakes, mix into brownie batter, or swirl into yogurt with a dash of honey for a quick sweet fix.
Best pairing: Tahini and falafel are a match made in heaven! Moreover, tahini works as a great Mediterranean sauce for chicken.
Romesco Sauce
Romesco is a Mediterranean dipping sauce that originates from Catalonia, Spain. It is a vibrant red sauce made from roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, olive oil, and smoked paprika. It has a smoky, nutty, and slightly tangy taste that acts as the ideal pair for these dishes:
- Grilled meats and seafood.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables.
- Sandwiches and wraps.
- Pasta, quinoa, and couscous.
Best pairing: Grilled shrimp tastes fantastic with a side of romesco sauce. Its smoky and tangy flavor amazingly complements the sweetness of the seafood.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving a creamy and refreshing dip or a bold and spicy sauce, there’s a Mediterranean sauce to satisfy every taste. A sauce pairing can make or break your dish, and when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, pairing the perfect sauce with the right dish is key to bringing out the best flavors. By the end of this blog, you’ll know how to pair each of the sauces mentioned with the right dish, be it a Mediterranean sauce for chicken or a healthy Mediterranean dipping sauce. Stock up your pantry with these sauces to elevate your dishes any time. Mix and match your favorite Mediterranean sauces and create your own signature Mediterranean sauce!